TraceLink and Tecsys partnership: healthcare supply chain with integrated digital solutions

This collaboration seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, including compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), product recall management, and 340B program optimization.

Shabbir Dahod, president and CEO of TraceLink, sheds light on the significance of this partnership and how it aligns with the broader goals of both companies. “The partnership with Tecsys was driven by a mutual recognition of the need for greater supply chain visibility and efficiency in healthcare systems, particularly in light of the pending DSCSA regulatory requirements. By integrating our multi-enterprise digital network platform with Tecsys' robust inventory and warehouse management functionality, we can provide real-time supply chain information that enhances patient care while reducing administrative burdens.”

Strategic vision and long-term goals

For TraceLink, this collaboration is more than just a tactical move—it aligns with the company’s long-term vision of creating a more connected and collaborative healthcare ecosystem. Dahod said: “Our goal is to create a democratized, connected, and collaborative healthcare supply chain ecosystem that enables seamless integration and information exchange across all stakeholders. Partnering with Tecsys allows us to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that healthcare systems can operate more efficiently and effectively without significant changes to their existing infrastructure.”

Implementation and integration: Overcoming technological hurdles

Integrating TraceLink’s digital network platform with Tecsys’ enterprise health warehouse management system (WMS) required overcoming several technological challenges.

Dahod added: “The primary hurdle was ensuring compatibility between our digital network platform and Tecsys’ warehouse management system, as well as achieving real-time data synchronization. These challenges were overcome through close collaboration between our technical teams, rigorous testing, and the development of configurable integration solutions that bridged any gaps.”

This successful integration is crucial for the seamless exchange of data and process automation between external suppliers and internal inventory management, ultimately allowing health systems to maintain accurate inventory records, manage recalls, and comply with regulatory requirements without disrupting their standard workflows.

Impact on compliance and efficiency

One of the key outcomes of this partnership is the streamlined approach to DSCSA compliance. “The integration of compliance verification directly into the standard receiving process

reduces the number of scans needed, simplifies workflows, and ensures that health systems can meet regulatory requirements with minimal disruption,” says Dahod. “The initial integration for DSCSA compliance into Tecsys systems will be completed in October 2024, enhancing traceability and accuracy.”

Health systems adopting this solution can expect measurable improvements in operational efficiency, including reduced time and effort spent on inventory management and enhanced accuracy in product tracking. Dahod said: “By automating and integrating key supply chain functions, the combined solution frees up valuable resources, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks.”

Innovation and future developments

Looking ahead, TraceLink says it is committed to continuing its innovation in healthcare supply chain management. Dahod reveals that the company is working on advanced predictive analytics, real-time visibility tools, and expanded capabilities for digital recalls and drug shortage prediction.

“We are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to further optimize supply chain processes and improve patient outcomes,” he adds. The long-term plan with Tecsys includes expanding the value of their collaboration to other areas such as direct procurement from preferred manufacturers and 340B program optimization.

Moreover, TraceLink is not limiting its ambitions to the healthcare sector alone. Dahod hints at potential expansions into adjacent FDA-regulated industries, he said: “We aim to collaborate closely with our customers and partners to create customized solutions for diverse supply chain challenges in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. We are also exploring opportunities to extend our solutions to adjacent FDA-regulated industries such as medical devices, nutraceuticals, and animal health.”

Customer feedback and success stories

Feedback from early adopters of the integrated solution has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its ability to streamline compliance processes and improve inventory accuracy. “Early customer pioneers have provided positive feedback, highlighting the solution's ability to streamline compliance processes, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce administrative burdens,” says Dahod.

One notable success story involves a large health system currently implementing the integrated solution to manage its pharmacy inventory and compliance. They anticipate a 30% reduction in time spent on recall management and a significant improvement in inventory accuracy, leading to fewer stockouts and expired products. This success story underscores the tangible benefits of the TraceLink-Tecsys collaboration.

As TraceLink and Tecsys continue to work together, their integrated solution promises to set a new standard in healthcare supply chain management, making the complex world of healthcare logistics more efficient, compliant, and ultimately, more focused on improving patient care.